K981625 · Advanced Sterilization Products · MLR · Jan 11, 1999 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K981625
Device Name
STERRAD 50 STERILIZER
Applicant
Advanced Sterilization Products
Product Code
MLR · General Hospital
Decision Date
Jan 11, 1999
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6860
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer is designed for sterilization of both metal and nonmetal medical devices at low temperatures. Because the cycle operates within a dry environment and at low temperatures, it is especially suitable for instruments sensitive to heat and moisture. (See list of recommended Materials in Section 3 of the Operator's Manual.) The STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer can sterilize instruments which have diffusion-restricted spaces, such as the hinged portion of forceps and scissors. Metal and nonmetal lumened instruments with inside diameters of 6 mm (1/4 inch) or larger and lengths of 310 mm (12 inches) or shorter can be processed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer. (See list of recommended Materials in Section 3 of the Operator's Manual.) Additionally, medical devices with only a single stainless steel lumen which has an inside diameter of 3 mm (1/8 inch) or larger and a length of 400 mm (15 3/4 inches) or shorter can be processed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer.
Device Story
STERRAD® 50 is a self-contained, stand-alone hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization system. It processes medical instruments by injecting aqueous hydrogen peroxide into a heated vaporizer bowl, introducing the vapor into a process chamber under negative pressure, and converting it to gas plasma using RF electrical energy. The system is designed for heat and moisture-sensitive devices. It includes a sterilization chamber, disposable sterilant cassettes, reusable trays, and biological/chemical indicators. Operated in clinical settings, the system provides a low-temperature, dry sterilization environment. It benefits patients by ensuring the sterility of complex surgical instruments, including those with hinges or lumens, without thermal damage. The system is mounted on a cart for mobility.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validation included overkill approach, B. stearothermophilus spore challenge, and dose-response studies. Testing confirmed SAL of 10^-6 for surface, mated surface, and lumen sterilization. In-use testing with surgical instruments from a local hospital confirmed efficacy for open, hinged, and lumened devices. Bacteriostasis/fungistasis testing showed no residual inhibitory effects. Toxicity testing confirmed no toxic sterilant residuals.
Technological Characteristics
Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization system. Uses RF electrical energy for plasma generation. Components include sterilization chamber, vaporizer, and disposable sterilant cassettes. Operates at low temperatures in a dry environment. Designed for heat/moisture-sensitive instruments. Stand-alone system on a mobile cart.
Indications for Use
Indicated for sterilization of heat/moisture-sensitive metal and nonmetal medical devices, including those with diffusion-restricted spaces (hinged instruments) and specific lumened instruments (stainless steel single lumen ≥3mm ID x ≤400mm length; general lumens ≥6mm ID x ≤310mm length).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ethylene gas sterilizer is a nonportable device intended for use by a health care provider that uses ethylene oxide (ETO) to sterilize medical products.
Predicate Devices
STERRAD® 100 Sterilization System
STERI-VAC Gas Sterilizer Model 5XL (3M Company)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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JAN 1 1 1999
# ADVANCED STERILIZATION PRODUCTS
REGULATORY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
# 510(k) Summary
# Applicant's Name, Address, Telephone, FAX, Contact Person
Advanced Sterilization Products A Division of Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc. 33 Technology Drive Irvine, CA 92618
# Contact Person
Kevin Corrigan, RAC Manager of Regulatory Affairs Tel: (714) 453-6410 Fax: (714) 789-3900
# Submission Date
January 5, 1999
### Trade Name STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer
# Common Name
Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma Sterilization System
# Classification Name
Sterilizer, Class II
# Legally Marketed Equivalent Device Name(s)
Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma Sterilizer STERRAD® 100 Sterilization System Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer STERI-VAC Gas Sterilizer Model 5XL 3M Company Chemolite Blvd. & Washington City Road 19 Cottage Grove. MN 55016
DIVISION OF ETHICON, INC. 4 33 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE · IRVINE, CA 92618 · (949) 581-5799 FAX (949) 789-3998
Appendix 46 510(k) Summary Page 6C
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# Description of Device
The STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer is a self-contained stand-alone system of hardware and software designed to sterilize certain medical instruments and devices, using a patented hydrogen peroxide gas plasma process. Sterilization is accomplished by injecting aqueous hydrogen peroxide into the vaporizer bowl where the solution is heated and transformed into a vapor, introducing this vapor into the process chamber under negative pressure and transforming the vapor into a gas plasma with RF electrical energy. The technology is particularly suited to the sterilization of heat and moisture sensitive instruments.
The hardware consists of a sterilization chamber onto which is mounted a variety of instruments and components, housed in a covered frame. The system also uses accessories such as disposable sterilant cassettes, reusable instrument trays, single-use biological and chemical indicators, printer paper and ink cartridges.
The sterilizer sits on a cart. The cart is designed for transportation of the sterilizer to its installation site, for mobility during servicing and as a structural support device.
## Statement of Intended Use
The STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer is designed for sterilization of both metal and nonmetal medical devices at low temperatures. Because the cycle operates within a dry environment and at low temperatures, it is especially suitable for instruments sensitive to heat and moisture. (See list of recommended Materials in Section 3 of the Operator's Manual.)
The STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer can sterilize instruments which have diffusion-restricted spaces, such as the hinged portion of forceps and scissors.
Metal and nonmetal lumened instruments with inside diameters of 6 mm (14 inch) or larger and lengths of 310 mm (12 inches) or shorter can be processed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer. (See list of recommended Materials in Section 3 of the Operator's Manual.)
Additionally, medical devices with only a single stainless steel lumen which has an inside diameter of 3 mm (1/8 inch) or larger and a length of 400 mm (15 % inches) or shorter can be processed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer.
### Summary of Nonclinical Tests
### 1. Validation Testing
Testing was performed using the "overkill" approach
Appendix 46 510(k) Summary Page 7C
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### 2. Prevalidation Testing
- . Test Organism: B. stearothermophilus
- . Process Parameter Rationale and Definition: A matrix experiment was performed that varied the process parameters of chamber wall temperature and plasma power within specification limits. The study showed the process parameters did not have an adverse effect on process lethality:
- . Characterization of the Pre-Exposure Plasma Phase: A series of experiments was performed to evaluate the effect of Pre-Exposure Plasma on the overall process lethality. The results of the studies showed that there is very little sporicidal activity in the Pre-Exposure Plasma phase alone or in combination with the Exposure 1 and Exposure 2 process phases.
### 3. STERRAD® 50 Process Validation
### DEMONSTRATION OF A DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP TO INCREASING A. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE INJECTION VOLUME
Dose-response testing was performed using various materials (representative of materials used in medical devices) as spore carriers.
B. stearothermophilus spore death kinetics data obtained for each material tested demonstrate a positive "dose response" to increasing volume of hydrogen peroxide injected under half-cycle conditions in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization process. There were no spore survivors on any material with an injection volume of 360 uL or greater under half-cycle conditions. The nominal hydrogen peroxide injection volume for the half-cycle is 1440 uL. There were no apparent differences in spore survival for any of the inoculated materials tested. The results obtained in this study demonstrate, at a minimum, a SAL of 106 for the complete STERRAD® 50 Sterilization process.
#### SURFACE STERILIZATION OF MEDICAL DEVICE MATERIALS B.
Surface sterilization efficacy studies were performed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer with various substrate materials representative of the material commonly used in reusable medical devices.
Inoculated spore carriers (with at least 1 x 106 B. stearothermophilus endospores) made from these materials were placed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer validation load and then processed through the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer at less than half-cycle conditions using an injection volume of 720 uL of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, testing at less than half -cycle conditions with a reduced peroxide volume of 1080 uL (three-quarters
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the minimum validation injection volume) was performed with material which exhibited fractional growth in the 720 µL cycles.
Results of these studies demonstrate an SAL of at least 10th for medical device surface sterilization in the complete STERRAD® 50 sterilization process.
#### C. MATED SURFACES STERILIZATION
Half-cycle validation studies with mated biological indicator carriers were performed to demonstrate sterilization efficacy between mated surfaces of medical devices. Mated Bls with at least 1 x 10 B. stearothermophilus spores sandwiched in-between the mated metallic and polymer carriers were processed through the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System at half-cycle conditions. No spore survivors were observed with the half-cycle. A SAL of 106 was demonstrated for mated surface sterilization in the complete STERRAD® 50 Sterilization process.
#### LUMEN STERILIZATION D.
Half-cycle and modified Total-kill Endpoint validation tests were performed using B. stearothermophilus endospores (>106 spores) inside stainless steel lumens (3 mm x 400 mm) placed within the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer validation load of medical devices. There were no spore survivors after the half-cycle. These results demonstrate a SAL of 106 for the complete STERRAD® 50 Sterilization process.
#### E. TYVEK-MYLAR POUCHED DEVICE STERILIZATION
Half-cycle validation studies with 3 mm x 400 mm stainless steel straight lumens in Tyvek-Mylar pouches were performed to demonstrate sterilization efficacy with the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System. The stainless steel lumens served to represent rigid stainless steel medical devices with lumens. Ten Tyvek pouched stainless steel lumens, with BIs (≤ 1 x 10° B. stearothermophilus spores), were placed into a STERRAD® validation tray and processed through the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer at half-cycle conditions. No spore survivors were observed with the half-cycle conditions
#### F. BACTERIOSTASIS TESTING
A bacteriostasis study was performed with carriers of various materials. The materials were placed in open glass petri dishes and exposed to full cvcle conditions in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization system. Following exposure, the carriers were transferred to Trypticase Soy Broth and were then inoculated with less than 10 colony forming units (CFU) of B. stearothermophilus spores. All test carriers/materials demonstrated the desired outgrowth within the 14 day incubation period
> Appendix 46 510(k) Summary Page 9C
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The test data indicate there is no bacteriostatic effect from the carriers processed through the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System.
### 4. Supporting Microbiological Testing
#### SPORICIDAL MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING A.
AOAC Sporicidal Activity of Disinfectants tests using B. subtilis and Clostridium sporogenes contaminated carriers (silk suture loops and penicylinders) were performed with the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System. None of the carriers demonstrated growth.
#### MICROBIOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF ACTIVITY в.
Using the predicate device, the STERRAD® 100 Sterilization System, it was shown that a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma process readily sterilizes the representative organisms.
SIMULATED USE TESTING C.
Sterilant characterization pertains to the chemical entity, in our case, hydrogen peroxide. ASP previously submitted data on simulated use and hydrogen peroxide. It has not been included in this submission.
#### IN-USE STERILITY TESTING D.
Devices representative of surface-feature and lumen claims for the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System were selected for sterility testing. Devices tested were used in routine surgeries at a local hospital and included stainless steel devices with open surfaces, mated or hinged surfaces and stainless steel lumened devices approximately 3 mm x 400 mm. The used devices were washed and dried according to hospital protocol at the hospital site and transported to ASP to be sterilized in a STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System.
Sterility testing was performed in accordance with the USP testing methods.
The results of the In-Use testing demonstrated that the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer successfully sterilizes actual surgical instruments used in clinical cases.
The STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System was shown to be an effective sterilizer of general surgical stainless steel instruments/devices that have open surfaces, mated or hinged surfaces and stainless steel lumened devices approximately 3 mm x 400 mm.
> Appendix 46 510(k) Summary Page 10C
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#### IN USE BACTERIOSTASIS AND FUNGISTASIS TEST E.
Devices representative of surface features and lumen claims for the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System were selected for bacteriostasis and fungistasis testing. Devices tested include those with stainless steel open surfaces, stainless steel mated or hinged surfaces and stainless steel lumened devices approximately 3 mm x 400 mm.
USP sterility testing methods were used as testing guidelines. This study was performed to validate that processed instruments do not exhibit bacteriostatic offects on microorganisms. After processing in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System, the devices (or swabs of the larger devices) were placed in TSB and FTM to which Cl. sporogenes, Candida albicans or B. subtilis was added.
The results of this study demonstrate that there are no bacteriostatic or fungistatic effects seen with stainless steel open surfaces, stainless steel mated or hinged surfaces and stainless steel 3 mm x 400 mm lumened surgical instruments/devices when processed thorough the STERRAD® 50 Sterilization System.
#### н. SIMULATED USE TESTING
The devices were inoculated with spores of B. stearothermophilus suspended in 5% fetal bovine serum in 95%. 300 ppm hard water (AOAC preparation). After the drying time, the devices were treated either by cleaning, then processing in the STERRAD 50 sterilizer or by directly processing in the sterilizer, i.e., without cleaning. Standard microbiological methods were used to determine the presence of surviving spores from each treatment.
The results show that the STERRAD® 50 process is minimally effected by the presence of an organic and inorganic challenge. Even if the user does not properly wash the devices, the sterilizer is still effective and inactivates highly resistant spores in a diffusion restricted environment such as the mated surfaces of scissors. When the devices are properly washed (i.e., processed in accordance with the labeling for the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer) then a 6.1 log reduction is shown for the process.
The data show that washing is a necessary part of the process as stated in the labeling.
### 5. Toxicity Testing of Processed Materials
Cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility testing of materials processed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer showed that the sterilization process leaves no toxic sterilant residuals on the materials processed.
> Appendix 46 510(k) Summary Page 11C
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## Overall Performance Conclusions
The nonclinical studies demonstrate that the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer is safe and effective for sterilization of medical devices within the indications for use for the sterilizer and establish equivalence of the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer to the predicate device, the STERRAD® 100 Sterilizer.
> Appendix 46 510(k) Summary Page 12C
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Image /page/7/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol that resembles three abstract human figures or birds in flight, arranged in a layered or overlapping manner.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JAN 1 1 1999
Kevin Corrigan, RAC Manager of Regularoty Affairs Advanced Sterilization Products® 33 Technology Drive Irvine, California 92618
Re : K981625 STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer Trade Name: Requlatory Class: II Product Code: MLR Dated: December 10, 1998 Received: December 14, 1998
Dear Mr. Corrigan:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval) , it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. ਜੋ substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531
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Page 2 - Mr. Corrigan
through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or requlations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling requlation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4692. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address
"http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Timothy A. Ulatowski
Director Division of Dental, Infection Control, and General Hospital Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# ADVANCED STERILIZATION PRODUCTS
REGULATORY AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
### Indications for Use
510(k) Number: K981625
STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer Device Name
Indications For Use:
The STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer is designed for sterilization of both metal and nonmetal medical devices at low temperatures. Because the cycle operates within a dry environment and at low temperatures, it is especially suitable for instruments sensitive to heat and moisture. (See list of recommended Materials in Section 3 of the Operator's Manual.)
The STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer can sterilize instruments which have diffusionrestricted spaces, such as the hinged portion of forceps and scissors.
Metal and nonmetal lumened instruments with inside diameters of 6 mm (¼ inch) or larger and lengths of 310 mm (12 inches) or shorter can be processed in the STERRAD® 50 Sterilizer. (See list of recommended Materials in Section 3 of the Operator's Manual.)
Additionally, medical devices with only a single stainless steel lumen which has an ( inside diameter of 3 mm (1/8 inch) or larger and a length of 400 mm (15 ¾ inches) or miside diameter of 5 min (1/0 mon) of larger and a renger of 100 million Sign-Off)
VA
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Dental, Infection Control,
and General Hospital Devices
510(k) Number K981625
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OR
Over-the-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
DIVISION OF ETHICON, INC. 0 33 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE . IRVINE, CA 92618 . (949) 561-5799 FAX (949) 789-3900
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.